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There’s one part of the house your dog dreads more than anything – but expert swears by 4 tips to get over the fear

We may see stairs as nothing more than an essential part of the house, but for a fearful dog, they can seem overwhelming.

BY MUSKAAN JUNEJA

PUBLISHED 3 DAYS AGO

Goldendoodle puppy sitting at the bottom of a staircase. Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jules Clark.

For dogs, home is a happy place. A space where they can eat, sleep, play, and repeat, comfortably. However, there is one place commonly found in any house that frightens these puppies the most. At a single glance, they freeze and seem to wonder, What should I do next? The looming fortress is the staircase of the house. Climbing stairs can feel like the most threatening task for a dog. The lingering fear can even create distance between pets and their owners who live upstairs. It can be heartbreaking to watch a dog be so terrified of something that appears harmless to us. We may see stairs as nothing more than an essential part of the house, but for a fearful dog, they can seem overwhelming. To deal with this issue, experts have put together a four-step guide that may help your dog overcome this fear, as reported by Parade Pets.

12 weeks old puppy dog is learning how to go down the stairs. (Image Source: Getty Images | Petra Richli)

1. Medical check-up

First things first, get a medical check-up for your dogs before making them comfortable around stairs. There could be a health reason that is preventing them from climbing. Joint problems, arthritis, neurological issues, or vision problems might be the real reason behind avoiding stairs.

Small Lhasa Apso dog in park, woods with trees and stairs. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Alexandra Robins. — Small Lhasa Apso dog in park, woods with trees and stairs. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Alexandra Robins)

2. Reward training

Dogs can learn almost anything if lured by their favourite treats. They can be spoiled with this little trick which is scientifically known as reinforcers. Placing their favourite food, such as chicken or cheese, on the steps can encourage movement. However, it’s best to stand nearby when they step on the stairs for the first time to prevent turning this memorable event into a negative experience.

A young girl gives a treat to a labrador dog in the park. dog training concept (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Sergii Kolesnikov)

3. Simplify the surface

Make sure to cover your polished stairs with rugs or apply anti-slip coatings before letting your dog use them. The surface should never be slippery. Your dog might be avoiding ascending those steps, not because they fear what lies ahead, but because they might slip and fall. If the surface remains unchanged, the problem may continue, as dogs tend to remember bad experiences and use them as a lesson to avoid whatever caused them in the first place.

Woman with dog walking down steps. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Eugenio Marongiu. — Woman with dog walking down steps. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Eugenio Marongiu)

4. One step at a time

Patience is the most important part of this process. Don’t expect your dog to conquer the stairs in a single day. Let them explore at their own pace. Start with just one or two steps and gradually work up. Over days or weeks, they’ll begin to climb more comfortably and eventually see the staircase as just another part of their territory.

Small dog runs out of a wooden staircase. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | K Thalhofer. — Small dog runs out of a wooden staircase. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | K Thalhofer)

This guide works for any breed, but the key is to find the root cause of the fear before starting. Many dogs are afraid because owners fail to introduce the stairs as an important part of their lives during their early socialization period as puppies. This lack of familiarity makes it harder for the dog to feel comfortable and confident with the layout of the house. The four steps above can help. However, if your dog’s fear continues, seeking help from a professional trainer or animal behaviorist can make a big difference.